Mount Meru tops 13 OMCs in LPG sales in H1 2026

Mount Meru Petroleum (Z) Ltd has emerged […]

Mount Meru Petroleum (Z) Ltd has emerged as the leading seller of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Zambia during the first half of 2026, according to the latest Monthly Petroleum Industry Statistics released by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).

 Data from the ERB report, reviewed by the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), shows that Mount Meru recorded 1,495,080.95 kilogrammes (kg) in LPG sales between January and June 2026. Oryx Gas Zambia Limited followed with 1,243,537.36 kg, while Falcon Gas Zambia Ltd and Afrox Zambia Ltd registered 1,225,850.12 kg and 1,004,775 kg, respectively.

Other notable performers include Gastec Trading and Supply Limited with 970,759 kg, Puma Energy Zambia PLC with 881,987.60 kg, and Rubis Energy Zambia Ltd with 724,554 kg. Additional contributors were Minegases Co. Ltd (395,932 kg), Lake Gas Z Limited (313,588.52 kg), Exclusive Brands Africa (288,099 kg), Oxyzam Zambia Limited (236,568.45 kg), BBE D Gas Zambia Limited (155,347.10 kg), and Chingases Company Limited (133,415 kg).

Overall, national LPG sales totaled 9,069,494.10 kg during the period under review, encompassing both commercial and retail sectors. Energy and Environmental Expert Obrien Nanga told ZBT that LPG demand could see a significant increase should load shedding resume, as households and businesses seek alternatives to electricity.

 “We should expect a noticeable spike in LPG usage because it was among the fastest alternatives available to households and small businesses during previous electricity outages,” Nanga noted.

 He pointed out that Zambia experienced similar surges in LPG usage during extended power outages in 2023, 2024, and 2025, when consumers increasingly turned to LPG for cooking and business operations.

“LPG burns cleaner, produces less indoor air pollution, and helps reduce pressure on forests. Increased LPG use could be environmentally preferable to charcoal and firewood,” he added.

However, Nanga cautioned that persistent load shedding could expose supply chain bottlenecks and force consumers unable to afford LPG to revert to charcoal, thereby increasing deforestation pressures. He urged the government and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to expand LPG storage and distribution infrastructure, stabilize prices, and improve the accessibility of cylinder exchange systems.

Article by Philip Sinkala